Communication delays and anxiety

A Canadian study of kindergarten children (Beitchman et al., 1986) found that anxiety disorders are more common in children with speech-language delays than in children with typically developing communication skills, and especially in children who stutter (Iverach et al., 2016).  In fact, on average anxiety disorders in children occur about 1% of the time, but in children with speech-language delays anxiety disorders are noted in 2 – 4% of the population and usually take the shape of anxiety around separation with caregivers or avoidant anxiety where children actively avoid engagement with less-familiar people like teachers and classmates.  This anxiety may show itself through fears and worries, tension and anxiety, tantrums and sadness, social withdrawal, sleep problems, shyness, motor restlessness and nervous habits. 

Kindergarten is a BIG year for children.  As a Speech-Language Pathologist, my goal is to see children in the preschool years to address age-appropriate goals prior to kindergarten so that when children begin formal schooling they are ready for the important work of playing, socializing and learning.  It isn’t always possible to have speech-language delays resolved before kindergarten, but seeking early intervention will mean the work is well underway by the time children hit this important year.  Minimizing anxiety is just one benefit of tackling communication delays early in a child’s life.    

Do you have questions about your child’s communication development?  Book an in-person or virtual consultation with me through our online portal https://www.lethbridgetherapycentre.com/contact or send me an email with your questions to brie@lethbridgetherapycentre.com.

Brie Schindel

Registered Speech-Language Pathologist

Lethbridge Therapy Centre